The New York Knicks did somehow surprise folks with their 122–97 thumping of a depleted Milwaukee Bucks. Some believe that shortage in manpower was key, but then again, the Knicks showed a lot of energy and unselfishness which will hopefully hold up.

They will get to prove that today, Thursday, against the Atlanta Hawks, a team that finished with 60 wins last season.

The Hawks were the surprise of the 2014–15 NBA season, although the team did show its glaring loophole in the playoffs — experience.

True enough, Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer will be pressured to ante up their performance as things didn't start out quite well for them. The Hawks dropped their opening day assignment to the resurgent Detroit Pistons (106–94). The result was a bit unexpected, although the Pistons did unleash a more credible showing during the game. 

The loss only means that Hawks have a lot of reasons to come out better against the Knicks. Budenholzer and his coaching staff may have gotten a glimpse of the Knicks, and as he may have seen, it's not all about Carmelo Anthony.

Kristaps Porzingis is for real and despite all the criticisms he got ever since being drafted, the kid can play. In all, Knicks head coach Derek Fisher likes what he sees and given more time, the Knicks could end up proving their detractors wrong.

Even though it may still be early, the Knicks just got off on the right foot. While it does not translate to what the rest of the season will bring, it's a good (and surprising) start for a team that have no expectations.

The case of Hawks is different, on the other end. There are high expectations from the Atlanta Hawks and surely, they will be coming back with a vengeance.

The Knicks will host the Hawks at the Madison Square Garden in New York today, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. EST. The game will be televised via TNT. For those who want to follow the game via live stream, you can click here.